When NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft reached Pluto, one Longhorn had particular cause to celebrate the historic accomplishment: Alan Stern, the mission’s leader.

Stern holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and astronomy and master’s degrees in both aerospace and planetary sciences from UT Austin. As part of the New Horizons mission, Stern helped launch the fastest spacecraft ever and captured breathtaking photos of Pluto.

His work has already helped scientists determine Pluto is larger than many prior estimates and will ultimately help us understand worlds at the edge of our solar system.